This is in final response to your request for consideration of your Vision
Guard eye protective device as meeting the intent of the OSHA Eye and Face
Protection standard.

OSHA's standards at 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6) provide that "Design,
construction, testing, and use of devices for eye and face protection shall
be in accordance with the American National Standard for Occupational and
Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1968." The referenced ANSI
standard, however, states in paragraph 2 that "Variations from the
requirements of this standard may be granted by the authority having
jurisdiction only when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
administrative agency that equivalent protection is afforded."

On the basis of the information which you have presented to us, OSHA has
determined that your product, the Vision Guard does provide protection
equivalent to that provided by eye protection which meets all the
requirements of ANSI Z87.1- 1968. Therefore, OSHA would consider employers
using this product to be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(6) and such
employers would not be cited, if this equipment was being used and maintained
properly. It is extremely important, however, that the Vision Guard be
permanently marked in a manner that would easily allow employers, employees
and our compliance personnel to distinguish it from other types of protective
eyewear. Otherwise, employees could mistakenly use eyewear providing
insufficient protection.

Thank you for your patience in this matter. If I may be of further
assistance, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Thorne G. Auchter
Assistant Secretary

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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